News

The foot-and-mouth (FMD) outbreak in the Eastern Cape is highlighting the need for an FMD protocol specifically developed for the dairy industry.

Over 4 000 graduates who were part of the Assistant Agricultural Practitioners (AAP) Programme have found themselves unemployed following the abrupt termination of their contracts.

Dr Lindi von Maltitz, an agricultural economist at the University of the Free State (UFS), has announced the decision to establish a Faculty of Veterinary Science. This announcement was made at the Free State Agriculture (FSA) Congress held in Bloemfontein.

Miriam Wolk, chief membership officer of the International Fresh Produce Association, shared ways to weather fresh produce market challenges at the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) Southern Africa conference, recently held in Cape Town.

The livestock industry has welcomed the establishment of a rapid response team to deal with foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks.

Female participation in the agriculture sector is increasing as new technology levels the playing field and creates new opportunities for a host of careers. Female farmers however still face significant barriers owing to stereotyping.

A dam breach in the early hours of Thursday morning led to severe flooding in the Riverlands and Dassenberg areas near Malmesbury, causing widespread destruction across the local area.

The sixth annual Food Indaba, held in Cape Town from 22 July to 4 August, focused on understanding the city's food systems, from farming and processing to distribution and waste management. The event featured workshops, tours, art exhibitions, and discussions on urban agriculture and food access.

Namibia’s Minister of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform, Calle Schlettwein, recently announced that the government had authorised the construction of a second desalination plant.

The Boran bull Cyclone BH 18 749 was sold for a record-breaking price of R8 million at the Hurwitz Farming 10th Production Auction, held at the Bull Ring in Davel, Mpumalanga, on Saturday.

The authorities in Greece have imposed a ban on the movement of sheep and goats from farms in an attempt to contain an outbreak of peste des petits ruminants (PPR).

In a night filled with celebration and recognition, Dwayne Kaschula was announced the Agri Eastern Cape Young Farmer of the Year 2024 winner at the prestigious Agri EC awards dinner, held on Wednesday in Jeffrey’s Bay.

Letsitele citrus and avocado producer Mahela Group and the ZZ2 Group, an avocado and tomato producer from Mooketsi, are developing a 400ha avocado and citrus farming operation in Weipe, Limpopo, with a non-controlling minority equity investment from AgDevCo. This transaction was supported by DLA Piper and Bowmans in South Africa.

The global spotlight was cast on South African ostrich farms when singer Lady Gaga performed at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games adorned in pink ostrich plumes and a black ostrich feather outfit.

The latest data on the 2024 summer crop shows marginal decreases across summer crops like maize, soya beans and groundnuts. High hopes for a wetter 2025 season prevail, which should ease food prices if the rain materialises.

There have been reports of widespread locust and Mormon cricket infestations in at least seven states in the western US.

In a bid to curb the spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and address farmer concerns, Eastern Cape Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe met with commercial and communal farmers in Kouga Municipality on Monday.

In a significant move aimed at bolstering South Africa’s response to climate change, President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday signed the Climate Change Bill into law.

During a panel discussion at the 9th World Congress on Conservation Agriculture, farmers shared their success with regenerative agriculture practices.

South African motorists are cautiously awaiting news on August fuel prices, with predictions leaning towards a slight decrease for petrol and a possible increase for diesel.